The Ants established the early initiative, with a four goal to one opening term, and four more goals to three in the second meant that the home team went in at the main change with a hard-earned 16-point advantage. Having then weathered a concerted third quarter fightback from the visitors, the Ants toiled hard to emerge with a meritorious one-point victory.
“Port Melbourne is obviously a well-organised team with plenty of experience and stronger bodies, but we did enough early to make them chase us, and we did enough to win,” Carlton Development and Academy Manager Darren Harris said.
“We didn’t have a very good third quarter, it was their six goals to our three, but to the boys credit they hung in there. Davey Ellard went back into the middle and he was supported pretty well by that midfield group . . . and the bit of play that got us the point to finish off was really well done.”
Simon Wiggins, with 34 touches and a two-goal return, was a noble contributor to Northern’s cause, as was Mitch Robinson, while Shaun Grigg continued with his good form. The big men Shaun Hampson and Robert Warnock, who had to make do with a centre square more akin to an ice skating rink.
“Teaguey [coach David Teague] made the point afterwards that both ruckmen had different types of games,” Harris said. “Hampson’s marking in the last quarter and a half really had a big impact. He took three or four inside 50 and another three or four around the ground, while Robbie copped a knock early and bounced back pretty well.”
The Bullants players are now taking full advantage of the break by virtue of the bye, before readying for the match with Geelong at Visy Park on Saturday week.
Northern Bullants 13.10 (88) defeated Port Melbourne 12.15 (87)
Goal Kickers: A. Saad 3, B. Fisher 2, S. Wiggins 2, L. Morgan, A. Iacobucci, R. Kerr, S. Hampson, R. Warnock, A. Arrowsmith
Best Players: S. Wiggins, D. Ellard, S. Hampson, S. Grigg, J. McCorkell, M. Robinson
